In 2017, Sturdy Communities received a generous grant from the Washington DC Department of Energy & Environment. Sturdy Communities partnered with Fry Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to provide high-quality, cost-effective weatherization services to income-qualified households. In 2017 and 2018, we served over 230 homes!

Weatherization services improve the overall comfort, energy efficiency, and safety of homes. These services were provided free of charge to all qualifying households. Sturdy Communities & Fry installed approved energy efficiency measures in low-income households and provided energy-related information to occupants.  Improvements included energy-audit recommended measures, HVAC repair or replacement, health and safety measures, or renewable energy systems.

Target Audience

Qualified low-income homeowners and renters living in the District of Columbia in Single-family and Multi-family properties identified by DOEE. The weatherization program is targeted to households that are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of the District’s median income level. DOEE verifies income eligibility for each household served through the LIHEAP program.

Everyone deserves access to clean energy, including those living in disadvantaged communities. Lower-income households are more susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change and urban pollution. Families who face higher energy burdens experience many negative long-term effects on their health and well-being. These families are at greater risk for respiratory diseases and increased stress, and they can experience increased economic hardship and difficulty in moving out of poverty.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency & Renewables

1. Allows people to lower their energy use and therefore their energy bills without sacrificing services like light and heat

2. Lowers the system costs of the electricity grid, making bills lower for all customers, even those who did not install efficiency measure in their own buildings

3. Makes buildings healthier and safer places to live and work by eliminating drafts, improving indoor air quality, reducing the use of unsafe practices for heating homes and workplaces

4. Lowers the price of electricity that is sold in regional markets, which leads to a reduction in household electricity bills